Which 416s have 16" frames?

[robertbartsch]

I understand some of the Altec 416s had 15" frames and others had 16" frames. My research at this point is confusing.

Which is which?

If possible, please also indicate (1) which frames can be front loaded and back loaded into the baffle and (2) which frames can only be back loaded into the baffle.

Thx...

I'm trying to identify the components in an old VOTT system I purchased new 35 years ago but sold 10 years ago; I beleive the woofers were light green Alnico 416s with 16" frames that can be back loaded only (Heathkit 101 circa 1974). I beleive the HF drivers were 806s mounted on 811 horns.

[Audio_by_Goodwill]

Any of the 416's can have 16" frames. A's are more likely to be 15", However.

I don't think the 16" frames were ever green..... more like a dark charcoal gray/black color.

[robertbartsch]

I found this below from Todd in an earlier post:


******

The 416A was 16 ohm.

The 416-8B was 8 ohms.

The 416-16B was 16 ohms.

The A and the B are identical, physically, except for the frame and cover for the magnet - the A used the older, 15" frame, and the B used the newer, 16" frame.

The Z had no cover for the magnet pot, while the A used a stamped metal cover, and the B had a cast metal cover.

The A's & B's were Alnico, and the C was a ceramic.

Sonically, the A's & B's sound the same. Some say the C doesn't sound as good, but I don't personally agree...

ALL of them are nice woofers.

[Old Guy]

Any of the 416's can have 16" frames. A's are more likely to be 15", However.

I don't think the 16" frames were ever green..... more like a dark charcoal gray/black color.

Yuppers on both...but note what Robert said..."16" frames and can be back mounted only"

No such thing.

16" frames can be mounted either way, so his green ones have to be 15" not 16"

[robertbartsch]

From my memory:

1. Frames were back-loaded only - raised support ribs on back of frame
2. Frames were light pea green
3. Motor was alnico
4. Ohms = 8
5. Mag cover was stamped steel (rounded top) and secured by a single screw in center
6. Surround suspension was pleated and black doped
7. Ventilation cooling was forward with screen on woofer cap hole
8. Cast frame had 4 rounded openings - similar to frames on old 515s.
9. Connections were mounted on frame web with screw threaded hardware
10. "+", "-" was marked on cast frame
11. Dark gray paper cone was non-ribbed

[robertbartsch]

...looked like the attached pic but pea green in color.

So this was an Altec 416 8A?

Thanks again!

[Audio_by_Goodwill]

...looked like the attached pic but pea green in color.

So this was an Altec 416 8A?

Thanks again!

I don't beleive it's possible to tell the nominal impedance by sight. The picture could be of an 8A, or a 16A.

[Audio_by_Goodwill]

From my memory:

1. Frames were back-loaded only - raised support ribs on back of frame
2. Frames were light pea green
3. Motor was alnico
4. Ohms = 8
5. Mag cover was stamped steel (rounded top) and secured by a single screw in center
6. Surround suspension was pleated and black doped
7. Ventilation cooling was forward with screen on woofer cap hole
8. Cast frame had 4 rounded openings - similar to frames on old 515s.
9. Connections were mounted on frame web with screw threaded hardware
10. "+", "-" was marked on cast frame
11. Dark gray paper cone was non-ribbed

15" 416A's